Why Is Albania Becoming Popular for Investors? A Local Perspective

I get this question almost every week now.
Sometimes from people who arrive curious. Sometimes from friends abroad who suddenly notice Albania popping up on social media. And sometimes from investors who already own property in Spain or Greece and quietly wonder if Albania is the next move.

Short answer?
Because it makes sense.

Long answer… well, that’s why I’m writing this.

I’ve lived and worked in Saranda for years. Long enough to remember when summers were busy but calm, when Ksamil felt like a secret you shared only with close friends, and when no one was talking about “investment potential” at cafés by the promenade. Things have changed. But not in a bad way.

What’s happening now is natural. And honestly, overdue.

It Usually Starts With a Visit, Not an Investment Plan

Most investors don’t come to Albania with spreadsheets and calculators.
They come for a holiday.

A few days by the sea. Maybe someone sent them a video of Ksamil’s water that looked almost unreal. Maybe a friend said Saranda reminded them of southern Italy years ago. They arrive relaxed. Curious. Open-minded.

Then something clicks.

Not long ago, I was showing a newly finished apartment in Ksamil to a couple visiting for the first time. We walked inside, sunlight filling the living room, the place still untouched, quiet around us. They didn’t speak immediately. They just looked around, stepped out to the balcony, and smiled. That pause — that moment — is something I recognize instantly. It’s the moment people stop thinking like tourists.

And that’s how Albania wins people over.

Value You Can Still Feel (Not Just Calculate)

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast.
And I say that as someone who has seen prices, trends, and cycles up close.

Here, you can still find affordable properties that don’t feel compromised. New buildings. Clean lines. Real sea views. Shared or private pools. Quiet neighborhoods that stay livable even in August.

For example, in Ksamil, properties like this modern 1-bedroom apartment represent exactly what many investors are looking for today. Brand new, completed in summer 2025, a calm and new neighborhood, a shared private swimming pool for residents, and only a short walk — about seven minutes — to the beach. Nothing loud. Nothing exaggerated. Just thoughtful design and comfort.

That’s the difference here.
Value isn’t just about low prices. It’s about what you get for the price.

The Albanian Riviera Is No Longer a Secret

Once upon a time, people called this coast a “hidden gem.”
Now, that phrase feels a bit outdated.

The Albanian Riviera is visible. And visibility changes everything.

Social media, travel blogs, word of mouth — they’ve all played their part. But what keeps investors interested isn’t just exposure. It’s the fact that reality matches expectations. The water really is that blue. The food really is that good. The lifestyle really is that calm.

And importantly, the real estate has matured.

Take Saranda itself. New residences are being built with standards that match international expectations. One example is this seaview 1-bedroom apartment on Skënderbeu Street. It’s in a quiet and safe neighborhood, fully furnished, with a private swimming pool and completely open sea views — nothing blocking the horizon. It works beautifully as a permanent home, but also makes strong sense as an investment.

Properties like this are why investors stop comparing Albania to “cheap alternatives” and start seeing it as a serious market.

Ksamil: From Summer Destination to Year-Round Investment

Ksamil has changed more than most places.
And yet, it’s still Ksamil.

Yes, summers are lively. But what many visitors don’t realize is how much thought now goes into new developments — privacy, parking, security, and layout. These aren’t random buildings anymore.

At White Residence, for instance, apartments like this 1-bedroom unit in Ksamil show how the market is evolving. A new building finished in summer 2025, a shared swimming pool for residents, a fresh neighborhood, and again — walking distance to the beach. Simple. Comfortable. Easy to maintain.

And for those looking for something a bit more spacious, there are properties like this beautiful 2+1 seaview apartment in the same residence. Generous space, sea views, and a shared pool — ideal for families or buyers who want a long-term base in Ksamil rather than just a holiday stop.

A Small Tangent: How Locals Read the Market

Sometimes, I sit for coffee near the port in Saranda, early in the morning.
Builders, lawyers, agents — everyone passes through at some point.

When conversations shift from “how much per square meter?” to “how fast can we find one?”, that’s when you know demand is real. That’s what’s happening now. Not panic. Not speculation. Just steady interest from people who’ve seen the place with their own eyes.

Anyway — back to the point.

Luxury, But Quiet About It

Another reason Albania is attracting investors is the rise of what I call quiet luxury.
Not flashy. Not excessive. Just well-done.

A perfect example is this luxury duplex in Ksamil. Finished in 2025, everything brand new, two swimming pools — one private for the duplex and another shared within the building — underground parking included, limited number of residents, and full privacy. It’s right on the main road, yet only about 300 meters from the beach and the center of Ksamil.

It works beautifully as a family home.
And for investors, the numbers can reach up to 16% ROI per year when managed correctly.

This is the kind of product that simply didn’t exist here ten years ago.

Culture, Simplicity, and Long-Term Thinking

In Albania, we still value simple things.
Long lunches. Coffee that turns into conversation. Neighbors who greet you every morning.

Investors feel that. Especially those coming from places where life has become rushed and transactional. Owning beachfront property or seaview apartments here isn’t just about returns. It’s about lifestyle — even if you only experience it a few months a year.

And that lifestyle is what gives Albania its staying power.

So, Why Is Albania Becoming Popular for Investors?

Because it offers something rare:

– Still affordable compared to the rest of the Mediterranean
– Real demand driven by tourism, not speculation
– Improving construction quality
– A lifestyle that people actually enjoy
– And timing that still favors early movers

Saranda, Ksamil, and the wider Albanian Riviera are no longer “emerging.”
They’re establishing themselves.

And for those who understand the rhythm of this place — not just the numbers — the opportunity is very real.

Sometimes, when I drive along the coast in the late afternoon, light reflecting off the sea, villages quieting down, I think about how far this region has come. And how much potential it still holds.

That’s why investors are coming.
And that’s why many of them decide to stay.